By Denise Rutledge
Having a LinkedIn profile is essential whether you are searching for a job or not. LinkedIn is a favorite site for headhunters!
Here are four must do activities for anyone who wants to get the most out of their LinkedIn profile.
1. Make sure you complete your profile
in a way that complements your resume. You don't want your LinkedIn
profile to duplicate your resume-just agree with it. Remember, LinkedIn
profiles often come up high in the list when someone Googles your name.
So you want your profile to make a positive first impression.
2. Make connections.
When you first start out, look for people you already know on LinkedIn.
Don't just ask any and everyone to connect with you. You could be seen
as a spammer. Once you've connected with a few acquaintances, you can
start looking for individuals with whom you want to connect who are
"friends with a friend."
3. Embrace a giving attitude.
LinkedIn revolves around the idea that it is more blessed to give than
to receive. So give some positive recommendations to individuals who
have joined your network. Provide specific details that demonstrated the
worth of the person you are recommending (percentages, specific
accomplishments, revenue figures, etc.). Many people will reciprocate.
Of course, it is also acceptable to ask for recommendations as well.
4. Join a group.
You can look for groups connected with your career or trade, alumni
associations, and more. It's a solid way to establish yourself as an
expert in your career. If you have the time and energy, you can start
your own group. Otherwise, just start a discussion in one of the
existing groups.
These four activities work together. They
leverage your LinkedIn profile's ability to position you as an essential
candidate to interview (and possibly hire). The first three activities
take very little additional time once you have put them in place. The
fourth activity is something worth continuing to invest some time in
every week. You never know when a few minutes of group interaction could
turn into the one thing that convinces an employer that you are worth
calling.
Denise Rutledge assists clients with developing job hunting
collateral, including resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles. You
may learn more about her services at http://landtheinterviewresumes.com.